JoeMack Posted June 20, 2005 Share Posted June 20, 2005 Climb: Diamond Peak-Southwest Bowl Date of Climb: 6/18/2005 Trip Report: Parked at a log landing at about 4,900'. It is south of the trailhead for Pioneer Gulch. Lots of blue sky, but as I got higher, I could see the clouds coming in fast. Got a little too far east as I was climbing and had to scramble over a chossy mess of a ridge to get to the bottom of the Southwest Bowl. Got to the snow at around 7,000 ft. The schwack through the underbrush had slowed me down considerably and the tiptoeing over the chossy rubble necessitated changing to boots. Once I got to the snow, I was much happier. I was able to slide my skis uphill skinless for a bit before the slope angle got to be too steep. Rather than putting on skins, I booted it straight up. The snow was great for kicking steps and I wanted to get up as quickly as possible: gray storm clouds were coming in over the peak now. Made it to a point near the summit ridge (GPS said 8,544') and it was very low visibility. The winds were howling and it was snowing sideways so I decided I would forego the summit and start heading down. I didn't hear any lightning, but I didn't want to be on top if it did come. Thankfully, I had goggles, heavy gloves, and a wool hat. The skiing in the bowl was really nice. My tracks are slightly visible in the picture... I was able to follow some fingers of snow down to about 6,500' before I had to start bushwhacking back to the truck. The GPS was indispensable. Gear Notes: Skis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugenian Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Looks like a fun time! Diamond is a great area. BUT - how were the bugs? I had a nasty experience around this time two years ago. So what's the bug beta? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeMack Posted June 21, 2005 Author Share Posted June 21, 2005 The only time I saw any skeeters was when I returned to the truck. They usually don't bother me, but this time I had to rush the clothes change/post-climb beer to avoid the bloodsuckers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PVD Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 Thanks for the report. I assume the access road is clear of snow now and passable for a Honda Civic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeMack Posted June 21, 2005 Author Share Posted June 21, 2005 Yes, there is no snow and the access roads (FS Roads 2149 and 2160) are clear and in good shape. You should have no problems with getting there in a Civic- just watch out for the deer in the road! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couloir Posted June 21, 2005 Share Posted June 21, 2005 2000 feet of vertical! That's 2000 more than I got. Nice work. Great TR! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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